A/N: Much thanks to the following ladies for their Twitter and WC solidarity and support: Nachos4Children, SerendipitousMC, Gisellelx, Malianani, Woodlily, TheTinkk, AllTheOtherNamesAreUsed, ZoyaZalan and, surprisingly BloodofYourLips, who got all up in arms when she saw that someone left me a rude review on Twilighted.
Answer to the New Year's Eve taste mystery: As many of you guessed, there was a trace of Carlisle's venom on the fork.
We last saw Bella surprised to find out that Edward was her prom date. She wasn't the only one who was surprised. In fact, Carlisle's in for a number of surprises this chapter. Enjoy!
~Chapter Twenty-One~
On the Saturday afternoon of the prom Carlisle was on duty at the hospital when a phone call from Edward came in on his cell.
"Carlisle, glad I caught you at a good time." Edward's voice came through clear and happy when Carlisle answered. "I've just arrived and I wanted to say hello since I'll be out when you come home."
"You're in town," Carlisle said, pleased. As always, Carlisle had missed his son since last seeing him. He loved each member of his family, but sometimes he wished to be in Edward's quiet presence and see the rare smile that could be induced from him. While he had no real basis for it, Carlisle felt that Edward did not smile as often with Rosalie as he did when he was home. He just didn't believe that the two of them found much happiness, and it was one of the many reasons he had for objecting to their lifestyle.
"Yes, for a few days. Didn't you know I was coming?" Edward was puzzled. "I thought Alice would have told you."
"Alice doesn't always announce her visions. Besides, I am grateful for the pleasant surprise. Why won't you be home once I'm off duty? Do you need to hunt?"
There was a brief hesitation before Edward answered. "I'm accompanying Alice and Jasper to the prom as Bella's date."
For a second or two, surprise left Carlisle silent.
"Carlisle?"
"I had been under the impression one of Bella's friends was to be her date this evening."
"I know nothing of that. Alice informed me that Bella would be going unaccompanied unless I came. I was quite surprised, but I agreed that Bella shouldn't attend her prom alone. Are you upset?"
"No," Carlisle answered immediately, regretting that he had caused Edward to worry. He smoothed his voice to convey his sincerity. "No, not at all, Edward. Just surprised. It never occurred to me that Bella would not have an escort."
"It's an honor to take her."
"Yes, it is. Edward, are you sure that you can handle it?"
Carlisle knew that Edward's behavior had been exemplary in the weeks before he left Forks. He and Bella had seemed to come to terms, and the friendship that Alice had promised was forming. However, months had passed since Edward had last been exposed to Bella's scent, and Carlisle couldn't be sure of the consequences of that. He'd ask Alice, but surely she had seen nothing wrong or she wouldn't have invited Edward. It struck him a little odd that no one had mentioned to him that Edward was coming to town and taking Bella to her prom. Not even Bella, who had told him a friend from school was taking her.
Which led him to another question, but Edward was already answering his last one. "Yes, Carlisle, I am certain. I am very much looking forward to seeing Bella –strictly in a family sense."
Instead of reassurance, the assertion actually gave Carlisle some doubts, but he left them alone for now. Alice and Jasper would be there to prevent anything untoward that might occur, and Edward had shown that he deserved Carlisle's faith. "Does Bella know that you are her date?"
"Alice wants it to be a surprise."
"Why?" Carlisle immediately regretted that the tone of the question had come out as less than congenial. Once again he found himself in the rather ridiculous position of feeling protective of Bella against members of their own family.
"It's something to do with being part of the magic of prom, I understand."
Carlisle thought it sounded a lot like something Alice would say when she was on a tear. It might have amused him, if he hadn't had some concern. "I admit it distresses me some that Bella is not aware of this."
"I understand, but, please, Carlisle, don't be concerned. I promise to do everything I can to make sure that Bella enjoys herself this evening."
That was the crux of it all. Bella should enjoy herself, and Carlisle's trepidations were only adding negativity to the day. Allowing wisdom to overcome his reservation, Carlisle simply let it go. "I believe you." Carlisle let his tone be light. "Are you still returning to the house afterwards?"
"Yes, the four of us will be. The rest of Bella's friends will be going elsewhere."
"That's right, Alice is gathering them all up for the limo." Carlisle started laughing at the thought of Edward trapped in a car with Alice, Bella, Jasper and eight hormonal teenagers. A number that would only grow larger once they arrived at the school. It was, after all, senior prom. Good thing Jasper would be there to regulate.
"Care to let me in on the joke, Carlisle?"
"I just wish you luck, Edward, with the thoughts are you likely to encounter this evening." Carlisle's grin grew only wider at the pause that followed on Edward's side of the line. He was actually pretty pleased by the time Edward disconnected. It would be good for Edward to have the dose of healthy living that the teenage rite of passage should offer. Edward asked Carlisle to trust him with Bella; Carlisle was also thinking that he could trust Bella to take care of Edward.
(~*~)
For a moment, Bella was stunned at the sight of Edward waiting for her. Taking advantage of Bella's sudden pliability, Alice prodded her along into the traditional prom date moments. At the base of the stairs, Edward greeted her, eyes shining. Bella wanted to say that it was mocking amusement coming out of his eyes, but once hers made contact with his, she saw that it was a mixture of both fun and mirth. With a smile, he slipped a corsage onto her wrist.
A camera flashed. Extremely embarrassed, Bella glared at Charlie, but she believed his excuse that Renee was forcing his hand. Bella's mother definitely would have insisted on getting to see photos. Edward was fairly gracious about the picture-taking, and in the group shots, Alice completely hammed it up, giving Bella a pinch when she didn't do the same. Bella was the only one in the room feeling awkward; it was a semi-painful several minutes. Yet, when Charlie lowered the camera before they all headed out the door, Bella caught the emotion swimming in his eyes. Her own reared up for a moment, and Bella just managed to get out the word "Goodbye."
Bella still hadn't quite recovered the powers of speech once the four of them were on the move. She kept her head down, focusing on the blue satin covering her lap. Feeling Edward's questioning gaze from beside her on the seat, she glanced up at him and half-smiled before looking down again. From Bella's house they had a quiet five minute drive to Jessica's, where the other four couples were waiting: Mike and Jessica, Angela and Ben, Tyler and Lauren, Eric and Katie.
Despite being overcast, the weather was fairly warm, and the other teens were out on the Stanley lawn, getting their pictures taken by parents. It definitely looked like a party was going on as the eight fancily dressed-up seniors and a minimum of one parent for each crowded the grass. With the arrival of the limo and its passengers, the prom attendees were no longer outnumbered. At least seven cars were already parked at the house, and there was just enough room along the curb for the limo. Who would have thought that parallel-parking skills would be required in Forks? The driver was definitely a professional and managed it with ease, despite the tall bulk of the luxury vehicle.
Alice and Jasper exited first when the driver came round and opened the door. After Edward emerged, he turned and held out his hand to assist Bella. It was more chivalry than Bella was used to, and she couldn't help but stare at his face as she took his hand and rose out of the vehicle. If he hadn't had such a firm grasp, Bella was certain she would have stumbled once the second high heel hit gravel.
"Thank you," she said quietly, finally speaking.
He looked incredibly content and at ease as he put her arm through his. "Smile, Bella. This is supposed to be your evening."
"Why are you here?" she finally asked, whispering as they began to walk across the lawn.
"I heard you were in need of an escort." Edward's eyes flitted briefly over to Lauren and Jessica, who were literally staring at them open-mouthed.
"So Alice thought to ask you?"
"Why not? It's not as though Carlisle could do it."
Bella colored at the thought. "And, uh… um, where's Rosalie?"
"Still in Minneapolis."
Bella halted in her high heels. "You came that far?"
"Bella!" Jessica squealed before Edward could answer, rushing over in a swirl of pink chiffon. "You look so pretty! Who is this you've brought with you?"
"Oh, um, Jessica, this is Edward. Edward, this is Jessica, her date Mike, and Lauren." Bella continued the introductions, and noticed Edward frown at Lauren.
"Where did you guys meet?" Jessica asked, never taking her eyes off Edward.
"Edward and his sister Rosalie were our closest friends at our last school," Alice volunteered. "Bella met them when they visited during Christmas break."
"Oh, then you're from Alaska?"
Edward inclined his head slightly at Lauren.
"What's it like having so much solid sunshine?"
"About the same as having constant night," he answered in a brisk monotone. His sudden rudeness surprised Bella, as it must have Lauren, for she looked a little taken aback.
"Guys, let's get pictures done before we're late!" Alice encouraged, cutting off the conversation. She cut a quick glare at Edward before linking her arm through Jasper's and smiling charmingly at the parents. All three ignored the family dog that was growling and backing up toward the house.
A longer round of parents taking pictures followed, made all the more tedious for the teenagers as Jessica's mother kept trying to get creative with how they'd pose. Jessica herself finally called a halt, and with a quick hug for her family, followed as they all piled into the limo. Alice had rented a Lincoln Navigator Luxury Stretch SUV out of Seattle, and Bella imagined that she must have paid quite a lot to get the company to send the driver so far. While there were more local limousine companies that had definitely been hired for the occasion before, Bella didn't think that anyone had ever arrived at the Forks High Gymnasium in such style.
"Oh, wow," Angela said while Tyler let out a whistle.
Though all together their group totaled twelve, the limo sat fourteen. Instead of just the front-facing and back-facing seats one expected in the traditional limo, the main interior of the car also included one long ivory leather seat that faced sideways towards the lit bar and flat television screens. A yellow neon trim ran along the bar and the recessed design of the roof, which was high enough that everyone could almost stand.
"Oh my God, there's a mirror on the ceiling," Jessica said reverently, her head tilted at an awkward angle as she tried to look at herself. Bella heard Edward give a soft chuckle.
Once everyone crowded in, the limo pulled away from the Stanley house. Jasper, Alice and Edward sat closest to the front in the L-bend of the seat, furthest from all the cool trimmings. Sitting beside her date, the slight squish of bodies made Bella realize that the vampires had maneuvered themselves that way on purpose. No one else would come into contact with their cool skin. She was the Bella buffer.
"I'm turning on the stereo," Eric declared, and soon "Hips Don't Lie" was blasting while Ben poured out sparkling cider.
Bella watched as everyone chattered and laughed and joked about staying in the limo the whole night, instead of just the short ten-minute trip to the high school. This was actually kind of fun. Even more observant, Edward sat beside Bella, amused. "This is as much a first for me as it is for you," he whispered in her ear.
"You and I seem to be doing a lot of that," Bella whispered back.
Edward smiled in acknowledgment.
The high school parking lot was crowded with student vehicles and a handful of limos. Many of Bella's classmates were all moving together to get into the gymnasium, a sea of colored dresses and black tuxedos. They greeted each other, laughed, and every girl felt like the belle of the ball. Several heads turned to look at the immense limo and those who emerged from it. Ignoring the gawking, Bella stepped very carefully and, with the support of Edward's arm, managed not to stumble as they made their way inside.
She snorted when she saw the decorations, starting with the balloon arch that covered the entrance. Twists of crepe paper stretched in rows across the gym ceiling, and dangled on the sides, interspersed with disco balls and silver stars.
"What exactly is the theme?" Bella asked.
"I don't know," Alice answered, a little appalled, "but now I wish I'd gotten on the committee."
"It looks like a horror movie waiting to happen."
"Oh, come on, Bella! Alice didn't finally manage to drag you here so that you could bring us all down. Let's find a table." Jessica's free arm pulled on Bella's and, along with Mike and Edward, guided her to one of the many tables along the edges of the dance floor. Covered with white tablecloths, the tabletops were speckled with silver and blue stars, and a corresponding star key chain that read "Forks High Prom 2006" at each chair.
There seemed to be a permanent curl of amusement on Edward's lips. He pulled back a chair for Bella, as Jasper did for Alice. After a panicked second, Mike did the same for Jess.
"Would you like me to get you a drink?" Edward asked.
"Um, yeah," Bella answered. "Hopefully it's too early for anyone to have spiked the punch."
"That wouldn't happen here . . . you think?" Jessica went from protesting to intrigued.
"You never know," Angela said. She was simply glowing, looking around at the room and at Ben.
"I'll make sure I bring nothing back but the purest. Ladies." Edward inclined his head and with a touch to Bella's shoulder left.
"Is he getting drinks for all of us?" Angela wondered.
"Um, I'd better help him." Ben took off after Edward.
Jessica leaned right in. "Bella, tell me you have not been secretly dating this guy since Christmas! Is that why nothing ever happened with Austin?"
"What? No, no, Edward is just a friend."
After more protestations from Bella, Jessica finally backed off only seconds before a smiling Edward and a chatty Ben returned with drinks for the whole party, including Eric, Katie, Tyler and Lauren, who sat at the table adjacent to them. Austin and his date - a girl with a familiar face, but whose name Bella didn't know - slid in next to them. Bella blushed a little when she saw them, but thankfully she was the only one there aware of her mistaken assumption.
Couples soon broke off to dance, including Alice and Jasper, who cut a swath through the crowd around them. They certainly showed off that they knew how to move. Content to stay where she was, Bella took advantage of the chance to pry a little more out of Edward. "Want to tell me why you took such an instant dislike to Lauren?"
Edward shook his head. "Just let me say that girl is not your friend."
Bella took a second to think about it and nodded. "We're more acquaintances, really. Same social circle, but not close. I guess you could say that I'm not her friend either."
"I'd find it hard to believe that your thoughts of her could be anywhere near that rude. She thought you hired me to be your . . . date tonight."
Bella studied the downturn of Edward's lips, and the drawing together of his brows. Her fingers flew up to her mouth to ineffectually cover the shocked laugh that came out. "She thought you were a gigolo?"
"Trust me, you don't want to know precisely what she thought."
Bella didn't bother to hide it. Her hand dropped to her neck as she tilted her head back and just laughed. Slowly, almost reluctantly, the tension in Edward's face eased.
Still smirking, Bella lifted her cup to her lips for a sip. "So what made you agree to be here tonight?"
Edward avoided her eyes at first, but then met them with a smile. "I didn't want you to be alone."
"Ha. I'm hardly alone."
Edward gestured to the abandoned cups and key chains scattered across the table. "Who would be keeping you company now if I wasn't here? You'd be sitting by yourself, not having a good time, and possibly having a pity party."
"So you're here to save me from myself."
"Exactly."
"Purely altruistic?"
Edward smiled at her, the old dazzling effect she remembered from before. "No, I wouldn't say that. I still find your presence very soothing, and was quite happy to agree to be your date."
Bella couldn't help it; her stomach flip-flopped. Then she was distracted by Austin and his date slipping into the seat beside her. "Bella, how you doing tonight?"
"I'm great. How about you?" With a smile, Bella introduced Edward and Austin.
"Do you know Selena?" Austin placed his hand on the back of the pretty sandy-haired girl next to him.
"Hi," the girl waved.
"No, but you do look familiar," Bella said.
"You probably know my older sister Samantha."
"As in Lee and Samantha?"
"Oo," Austin pursed his lips. "Not since a couple months ago. That girl has completely shut down."
"Hey, be nice," Selena said lightly. "They were together for three years."
Austin shook his head. "It doesn't justify moping this long. Sorry, 'Lena, but if Sam doesn't have enough of her own personality without him, then the break up was good for her. If she ever gets up and steps out of her own door, that is."
"She came with us tonight. C'mon," Selena gave Austin's arm a tug. "Why don't you ask her to dance? Show her how to live a little."
With an acquiescent smile over his shoulder at Bella and Edward, Austin let his date tug him away.
Edward ran his fingers through his hair and laughed. "Quite the drama. It's an interesting trade-off, accepting the peace of your quiet mind while being bombarded with all the thoughts of the teenagers in this room."
Bella giggled. "Imagine what it would be like if you came to school here, like Alice and Jasper."
"Ugh," he said, picking up a key chain and twirling it on his finger. It was an odd fidget to see him make, but it blended him in well.
"Why haven't you?" she asked.
"Good Lord, why should I?"
Bella looked up at him, tilting her head to the side. "Edward, you're nearly a hundred years older than I am. We shouldn't be experiencing all these 'firsts' together."
"Limousines were hardly around when I was a student."
"No, but girls were. A date to a formal, a first kiss?"
Edward hesitated, and then smiled wryly. "I suppose it's possible that I gave a girl a kiss when I was still human, so it wasn't completely accurate of me to claim ours as my first. However, if I did, I don't remember it."
"You've had ninety years since then."
"Perhaps I've never met a girl worth kissing."
"Perhaps that's because you've been spending too much of your time looking for the unsavory to find…" Bella trailed off, not willing to finish the metaphor she began.
Edward, however, did not let her off the hook. "To find someone savory?" he finished with a wicked twinkle in his eye.
"Poor choice of words." Bella blushed a little, but guided the conversation back on topic. "Seriously, Edward, how much time do you and Rosalie spend among friends? It's been five months since you've visited your family. In all that time, have you ever just relaxed with someone? Human, nomad, anyone?"
"We do have friends outside of the family, you know. The coven up in Alaska, for instance."
"Mmm," Bella nodded. "And how often do you run into them in Minneapolis?"
"Alright, point taken." Edward crossed his arms, extending his legs out under the table. It made the tux crinkle about his frame in interesting ways and, actually, reminded Bella of the way Carlisle had looked on New Year's Eve. "I'm not a recluse, though, Bella."
"Well, you're going to have to prove it by fulfilling your role tonight." Bella stood up, and Edward straightened, uncrossing his arms. I can't believe I'm about to do this, Bella thought and she extended her hand. "Dance with me."
Looking up at her, Edward raised his eyebrows, before another wicked grin crossed his face. Accepting her outstretched hand, Edward stood up, and together he and Bella moved onto the dance floor.
(~*~)
Carlisle could not keep his thoughts from dwelling on the prom that was taking place right at that moment. Though he had never attended a high school prom himself, he had been to many formal functions. Dances were part of the social norm not too long ago. Carlisle recalled the occasions that he had been obliged to attend during the previous century. Learning to dance had been nearly as much a necessity as learning to use a scalpel, and had required as much care.
It had been a long time since he had the pleasure of dancing with a woman. Carlisle imagined what it would be like to hold Bella in his arms, move with her across the dance floor. Her left hand on his shoulder, her right palm pressing against his. She'd be looking up at him, those deep brown eyes of hers revealing how embarrassed and reluctant she was to be dancing. Though it was adorable to see the embarrassment on her face, he'd soothe her nerves and make her smile. She would be happy, dancing with him.
The curve of her hip would fit perfectly into the palm of his hand as, with the slightest of pressure, he'd guide her into a turn. The room around them would spin, fading out of his focus while Carlisle kept his eyes on Bella's face, upturned toward his. Her smile was all he needed, for in that moment that they danced together she was with him entirely, as he was with her. It was pure contentment to enjoy each other's company while their bodies moved to the music and the world around them ebbed away.
The smile on Carlisle's face slowly dissipated when he thought that such a pleasure was Edward's tonight. Which, of course, was much more appropriate. The reality was that tonight the rest of the world consisted of a gaggle of watching teenagers and their chaperones. It was not a setting in which Carlisle could be present in that fashion. Despite what would have been his own misplaced willingness to be at Bella's side tonight, it had been wise of Alice to seek Edward to be Bella's escort for the evening. What was wrong with the boys in Forks that none of them sought to take her?
Carlisle shook his head and turned his attention back to his laptop, trying not to think of Edward dancing with Bella, only to slip back into daydreaming of her warm body in his own arms as they twirled.
(~*~)
While "Mr. Brightside" boomed over the dance floor Edward guided Bella back to their table, and she slipped into her chair gratefully. Her feet hurt. After awhile she had realized that if she put her weight on the front of her feet the heels would stop threatening to give way. That meant trusting Edward not to let her fall forward. Right now, what she wanted most was to just slip the shoes off. Reaching her hand beneath the table, Bella bit her bottom lip as she tried to undo the strap on her heel.
"Need help?" Edward asked.
Bella shook her head. "No, thanks."
"How about a new drink? You must be thirsty."
"Ha. You mean from the physical exertion of stumbling all over the place for the last half hour?"
"Something like that, though it would be more accurate to say an hour."
Bella gave up on undoing her shoe. "Was it really that long?" she asked, straightening up.
"Time flies when you're having fun." Edward smiled at her, and again Bella got that flip-flop in her stomach, which she did her best to ignore. "I'll be right back with some water."
Alice and Jasper came back to the table once Edward disappeared into the crowd. "You look flushed, Bella."
"Apparently." She rolled her eyes. "Some of us can't move that easily, even with a vampire partner."
"You had fun." Alice's tone was defiant. "So did Edward. Bella, I haven't seen him this happy in a long time. Thank you."
"Thank me? You're the one who brought him across I don't know how many states to be my date tonight."
"And it's been good for him, good for you both."
Bella paused partway through wiping away some sweat. "Alice, what are you up to?"
"I just meant that you and Edward both needed to get out and be among people having fun for a change."
"I get out," Bella protested.
"Oh, come on, Bella. You never would have come to your own senior prom if Charlie and I hadn't ganged up on you. Do you regret it?"
Bella looked out at the floor, at the crepe paper that was already ripped in places and falling in others, at Jessica with her hair coming undone from moving so much, at Ben and Angela so obviously in love as they danced in a slow circle, at Conner and Austin bursting balloons right behind Mike and making him jump. All her friends were in this large happy haze, and it pleased Bella to be a part of it. "Not at all," Bella answered Alice, accepting the bottle of water from Edward as he returned to the table.
(~*~)
Carlisle heard the limousine come down the drive and felt a small thrill of anticipation. Edward was home, and with him Bella. Powering down his laptop, he rose from his desk and swiftly made his way down to the front door, where Esme and Maggie were already waiting. Esme slipped her arm through Carlisle's and gave his upper arm a squeeze. "The children are home," she said.
"I hope they had a good time."
"Alice guaranteed it." Esme looked up at him, her light brown hair falling behind her shoulders as she tilted her head. "You're anxious to see Bella and Edward aren't you?"
"Yes. An endeavor like this is certainly new for Edward. I am eager to know how well he handled it. Bella, I imagine, will look quite lovely."
"Yes, exactly." Esme grinned, and Carlisle got the impression that there was something else on her mind. "Bella will look lovely."
"Is there something I should know?" Carlisle looked down at Esme, and over his shoulder at Maggie.
"You tell me," Esme answered softly.
"They're here," Maggie announced, and had the presence of mind to flick on the porch light. For a moment Carlisle felt guilty that he hadn't thought to do it earlier, but quickly dismissed the self-recrimination as superfluous. Carlisle saw the driver get out of the limousine, and even as the man opened the passenger door, Carlisle opened his own front door. Alice and Jasper emerged first. Carlisle smiled when he saw Alice step out. She certainly made fashion a priority and likely caused quite the sensation tonight. It was probably the first time Armani had been seen in Forks.
Edward stepped out, a carefree grin on his face. It was such a good thing to see again; Edward's smiles seemed to always have a touch of gloom just waiting under the surface. Right then there didn't seem to be any weight on Edward's shoulders as he turned and extended his hand. My son, always the gentleman.
Bella rose out of the vehicle, a svelte hourglass of sapphire. All the promise of figure Carlisle had been startled to realize back in December was in mature evidence now. He was even more struck standing there in his own doorway than he had been that wintry afternoon on Bella's doorstep. The smart, hesitant openhearted teenager he once knew had grown into a woman.
Bella stumbled on her first step and Edward's hands were quick, catching onto her hips and stabilizing her. She winced slightly, but recovered. Her hands were outstretched for balance, and Carlisle stepped down off the porch to grasp hold of one of them. "Bella, you are beautiful tonight."
Bella gave him a smile, framed by the tendrils of hair that had fallen out of her upswept coiffure to tickle her cheeks and neck. "Thank you, Carlisle."
Carlisle took her weight when she stepped forward again, Edward's hands falling away.
"Hello, Carlisle," Edward said, and while he still smiled, Carlisle saw the faintest trace of gloom briefly return before it was chased away again.
"Edward." With one hand still holding Bella's, Carlisle gave him a manly one-armed hug. Edward returned the slap on the back. Behind him, Alice and Jasper were thanking and tipping the limo driver. "You had a good time."
"We did," Bella agreed, moving toward the door. Carlisle fell into step with her, as did Edward on his other side.
Esme and Maggie waited on the porch, knowing smiles on both their faces. Once again, Carlisle wondered if he was missing something. He released Bella to Esme, who enclosed her in a hug.
"Bella, dear, you look wonderful."
"It's all Alice's effort."
"Nonsense," Alice and Maggie spoke together.
"An artist is only as good as what she has to work with," Alice said.
"I'm sure many of the boys had their heads turned tonight. Come inside, Bella." Maggie led the way, the men trailing behind.
"Honestly," Bella said with a flop onto the living room couch. "I just want to decompress."
"Of course you do. We shouldn't hover." Esme moved a pillow aside, and motioned to Carlisle to sit beside Bella. "We're just so charmed to see you like this. And Edward." Esme stepped over to him and brushed her hands along his shoulders. "You look very handsome tonight." She gave him a light kiss on the lips, and Edward squeezed her elbows in fondness.
While the rest settled themselves around the room, Carlisle sat beside Bella, who had managed to get off one shoe, but was struggling with the strap on the heel of the other. She looked so adorable, awkwardly twisting beneath the blue satin of her gown, eyes focusing on nothing.
"Here, let me." At Bella's nod, he carefully lifted her foot onto his lap and loosened the shoe.
"I have been waiting all night to get out of those. High heels shouldn't exist."
"Bite your tongue," Alice retorted from where she was sitting in Jasper's lap on the loveseat.
When her foot became free, Bella thanked him and from her reclined position on the couch stretched, flexing and pointing her feet. Seeing her toes curl, Carlisle couldn't resist. He placed his thumb in the arch of the foot still in his lap, and starting with slow circles, began to massage.
"O-oh, thank you," Bella sighed.
"Does that feel better?"
"Are you kidding? You could do that forever and I wouldn't complain." Bella brought her other foot off the floor and placed it, too, in Carlisle's lap. With a chuckle, Carlisle began to rub both feet with his hands. Satisfied when he saw her eyes close, Carlisle moved his attention to Edward. He sat in the chair across from Carlisle, and for a second his eyes were shut as well.
"I trust the prom was not as physically strenuous on you, Edward, but how was the mental strain? Were there many kids in attendance?"
"There were about eighty, and it did take a little adjustment." Edward smiled wryly. "Far too many minds dwelling on such mendacity. It was actually best when the music was upbeat; more people focused on simply enjoying themselves."
"I'm sorry, Edward," Bella said, eyes open again. "You were there tonight because of me. I didn't realize that it was that difficult for you."
"It wasn't entirely bad, hearing all those thoughts. For instance your friends Eric and Katie, and Angela and Ben, are very much in love. An evening like this brought that more into the foreground than otherwise."
"That's nice to hear."
"You're also forgetting the rewards I receive in being near the peace of your quiet mind. I regret nothing." Edward stood with a smile, and Carlisle saw once again just how happy his son was tonight. "Though, had I been human, I'm not sure my feet would have survived yours. And while you are being pampered, I will continue my self-appointed role of seeing to your thirst."
Before Edward left the room Esme also stood up from where she'd been reclining with Maggie on the loveseat. "Let me help you."
As the two exited, Carlisle looked back down at Bella, whose eyes were shut again. "Is he saying that you stepped on his feet?"
Bella laughed. "In the end he made me just stay on his feet."
"He gave up too quickly," Jasper said, hand on Alice's hip. "A little more patience from both of you, and you won't stumble so much."
"Enough is enough. I'm happy with the way things went." Bella sighed, and she absently rubbed her hip.
"I confess, I am a little jealous of Edward." Carlisle continued to rub her feet. "You must allow me to take you dancing sometime."
"I think that semi-formals are no longer in my future, Carlisle. Besides, you danced with me on New Year's Eve. For one single dip, you were my first ever dance partner."
"It was absolutely my pleasure." Bella smiled at him and Carlisle felt his heart lighten. It was nice to share in the good mood the four of them had come home with. "Do you remember the first time I held your foot in my hand?"
"Um, it was when I twisted my ankle getting out of Mike's van. Wow, just over a year ago." Bella narrowed her eyes at Carlisle. "That was your fault, you know."
"My fault?" Carlisle raised his eyebrows, amused.
"And Alice's, and Jasper's, and Jacob's."
"Oh, let's hear this," Jasper said. "How, exactly, Miss Bella, did we make you twist your ankle, when none of us were there?"
"That was the moment I figured it all out. The sun was out that week, so you and Alice weren't around. I'd already unwittingly seen Carlisle demonstrate his superspeed, and the Quileutes were calling all of you the cold ones."
"Carlisle," Esme's voice was chastising as she entered with a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa dip. Bella sat up and took the glass of soda from Edward. "You weren't being careful at work? Shame on you."
Carlisle held up his hands helplessly. "So," he said to Bella, "you went straight from the asphalt underneath Mike's van to my emergency room, where, as I recall, you couldn't take your eyes off of me."
"Well, it was the first time you'd treated me when I had full knowledge of what you were. Can you blame me?"
"All I saw was a smitten teenager."
"You were completely mistaken."
Carlisle made his voice a little high-pitched. "'What made you want to be a doctor?'" he quoted, batting his eyes. Everyone but Bella laughed.
"I did not flutter my eyelashes at you."
Teasing the innocent Bella was too much fun as Carlisle watched a slow blush rise in her cheeks. It was enchanting. "No, but you did call me amazing not too long after."
"Ahhh!" Bella picked up a pillow and buried her face behind it. "Can we just leave the past in the past, please?"
"I don't think we can," Edward said. "After all, the point has been brought up that Carlisle acted without caution by using his vampire abilities in front you."
Carlisle laughed. "Yes, the disaster that is Bella in our lives is all my fault. This family will never recover."
Bella sighed, and dropped the pillow back onto the couch. She shook her head. "You have absolutely no idea how much I am going to miss you."
"Miss me?" Carlisle asked, surprised.
"All of you. Once I'm gone at college, I'll only be visiting during holidays and school breaks."
"Bella, you don't have to miss us at all if you don't want to."
Bella straightened her neck and looked at Carlisle quizzically. "What do you mean?"
Alice moved and plopped down next to her on the couch. "Jasper and I have applied to colleges, too. We're going wherever you're going."
"What?" Bella's went wide. "Really?"
"Really. You just have to choose which one, and we'll all follow."
Bella looked from Alice to Carlisle. "All?"
Carlisle took hold of Bella's hand. "You're an important part of our family. If you don't think it would be too much, we'd like to move with you. You could stay in our home, and not have to worry about dorm fees."
"But, how do you know you can get a job where I'm at?" Bella's warm hand grabbed hold of Carlisle's, and her eyes were full of concern. "Carlisle, you aren't planning on giving up being a doctor are you?"
"Not at all." He gave Bella's hand a reassuring squeeze. It pleased him that her first thought was of what he might be sacrificing. It was so much like Bella to put other people first. "I've been looking at where there are positions opening up, though I confess it would be easier to narrow that search once you've selected your college."
"I won't know until the letters come in. So far all I've had is a rejection letter from the University of Northern Florida, but to be honest it wasn't a top choice."
"Well, how about these?" Alice asked, and from who knows where she placed several large envelopes in Bella's lap. All had university logos and all were addressed to Bella.
"Alice, what? Have you been holding back my mail?"
"No, silly, these all came in the mail today; I just pilfered them to give you this evening."
"Come on, open them up," Maggie urged. "We all want to know where we're moving to."
Bella picked up the envelopes and held them to her chest. She looked around the room at everyone, and the emotion in her eyes was fragile. Carlisle wanted to give her a hug, but held himself back. "You are all agreed on this?"
"Well, this is the first I've heard of it," Edward said. Jasper elbowed him in the side, and Edward dropped the pretense. "I can't say it makes much a difference where home is, as long as everyone is there. Everyone includes you, now, Bella."
"Okay then." Bella looked down at the envelopes in her lap, and they were her remaining choices. She opened them one by one. Colby College in Waterville, Maine had accepted her, as did the University of Phoenix. Dartmouth was a rejection letter, and Bella felt a little disappointed. "Well, New Hampshire is out."
The final envelope from Middlebury College was also an acceptance packet.
"Well, to be honest, I think I'm going to have to say no to Phoenix. It would be nice to go back somewhere I'm familiar, but these past few months I've been thinking that I would rather be moving forward and seeing someplace new."
"You're not rejecting it on behalf of us because of the sunlight, are you, Bella?" Maggie asked.
Bella looked at her. "In part, I suppose I am. But I meant what I said. Phoenix is out." She tossed the envelope aside where it landed on top of Dartmouth's.
"So it's Maine or Vermont," Esme observed.
"Colby isn't a bad college at all. It's a high-ranking liberal arts college. Middlebury, however, is more prestigious." Bella looked at Carlisle.
"There are several options near Colby College," he answered her unasked question. "However, there is only one hospital near Middlebury. It's right in town, and they do have a position opening in General Surgery and Emergency Medicine. So the choice is yours."
Carlisle watched as Bella hesitated. She looked between the two envelopes thoughtfully. "Bella," he said, "you can take some time to think about it."
Bella looked up at him and then over at Alice, whose eyes were shining. "There's no need." Smiling, she held on to one envelope, and tossed the other onto the reject pile. Colby joined Phoenix and Dartmouth. "Middlebury College it is."
(~*~)
In the next week, Bella was full of excitement about her decision. Not even the final failure of her truck could keep her down for long. She did have a moment of feeling torn when she first made the choice between Middlebury and Colby. Both colleges had appealed to her. Between the two towns, Waterville, Maine – where Colby College was located – was a bit more urban, though it had none of the class Phoenix possessed. All the same, Bella thought that it would be pleasant to be in surroundings that were somewhat more city-like and familiar, and to get out of the rural life she'd been experiencing in Forks. Yet she'd grown accustomed to it this last year, and both Maine and Vermont would be fairly green anyway. Then Bella thought of how much easier it would be for the Cullens in Vermont, and her decision was made.
Going over her welcome packet at the kitchen table, Bella couldn't help but be eager. "The Literary Studies program is pretty awesome. They don't just limit it to one type or another. I can take classes in several different periods, different languages, in addition to focusing on the single body of literature I want to."
"I'm happy for you, Bells. What sort of financial aid are they offering?" Charlie asked, sliding some of the pamphlets over to him.
"Well, you're still going to have to sign a parent loan, and I'll have a couple of subsidized and unsubsidized loans, but we'll make it. Plus, I'm not going to have to worry about room and board. Alice and Jasper got into Middlebury, too, and Carlisle's discovered in opening at the medical center. So the Cullens decided to get a house there, and I'm going to stay with them."
Charlie set down his beer and looked hard at his daughter. "You're going to move in with the Cullens?"
"I'm going to be at the college most of the time, Charlie. I'll just have a room to myself instead of a small dorm I'll have to share."
"I could be wrong, Bells, but isn't sharing dorm space and getting to know the kids on your floor part of the whole college thing?"
Bella paused. "I suppose. But it's not like I'm not going to get out there and meet people. I'll still be on a meal plan in the cafeteria, and walking around campus with other students. I'm more likely to be in the library than back at the house. Have I told you about their libraries?" Bella grabbed one of the pamphlets and continued to babble on excitedly. Charlie listened politely until Bella practically danced out of the room on her way up the stairs.
Charlie rubbed the stubble on his jaw. His little girl was going to college, and she was going there with the Cullens. The time had come to have a talk with Carlisle. He picked up the phone and called Grace at the hospital front desk. "Would you mind telling me what time Dr. Cullen gets off duty today?"
(~*~)
When Carlisle's shift for the evening came to a close, he left the emergency room to walk through the hospital toward his office. As he passed through the hall his eye was caught by a familiar figure in uniform down by the front of the hospital. Carlisle changed direction to catch up with Bella's father. His presence was fortuitous; Carlisle had been hoping to catch up with him soon.
"Chief Swan," he said to get the man's attention.
An even six feet tall, Charlie Swan only barely had to look up to make eye contact with Carlisle. It was so remarkably like gazing into Bella's eyes, that for a brief second it gave Carlisle pause.
"Good evening, Doctor. Shift just ending?" The Chief's voice was as pleasant as usual, but there was a look in his eyes that Carlisle couldn't quite discern.
"Yes, I was about to head into my office. Do you have time to join me?"
He gave a nod of his head, and Carlisle turned to lead the way. "What brings you to the hospital right now?"
"This and that."
Carlisle didn't press further, respecting the police officer's right to privacy. Since he had just come off duty, Carlisle knew that it wasn't Bella or an injured suspect. Bella was exactly the reason why Carlisle wanted to talk to the Chief.
"Has the rain let up at all?" Carlisle asked to keep the walk friendly and companionable.
"A little bit, not much."
"Graduation is just around the corner. You must be proud."
"You have two of your own about to graduate."
"Alice and Jasper have done exceptionally well." Carlisle smiled proudly. It was only part affectation. Alice and Jasper were bound to do well academically, falling just short enough of perfect grades not to steal the top positions in the class away from those students that deserved it. Yet they'd gotten through another high school experience without drawing too much attention to themselves – with the exception, of course, of Bella – and Jasper had really made strides in his control.
When they reached his office, Carlisle opened the door for Chief Swan and gestured for him to have a seat in one of the guest chairs. Carlisle sat in his own chair behind the desk.
"Chief, I wanted to ask you something. Now that Bella's truck is no longer running, I would like to buy her a vehicle as a gift for graduation. I realize this is a fairly large gift, and I wanted to have your blessing before I moved forward."
"You are asking me for my blessing?"
"Yes."
Chief Swan's mouth tightened, and for a second he was silent. "I realize, Dr. Cullen, that my daughter has spent a lot of time with your family in the last year. She's been fairly happy, and I believe cares strongly for all of you."
"And we for her, Chief."
"And in a matter of about three months she is going to be living with you." Charlie raised his hand. "That's her decision, and I respect her right to make it."
Carlisle felt the stirrings of guilt. While he had thought of the Chief in regards to buying Bella a car, he hadn't considered what his reaction might be to their college plans. Carlisle began to realize more than he ever had just how much leniency he had been receiving from Bella's father.
"I appreciate the trust and faith you've been showing me and my family, and I hope you realize that it is not misplaced."
"I don't think there are very many of your kind that Bella would be as safe with."
The words took Carlisle by surprise, but then, he couldn't be sure what Chief Swan meant. "My kind?"
The Chief looked out the window, where the rain fell in a light mist. Carlisle knew him to be mostly a taciturn man, yet at that moment many emotions were playing across his face: caution, protectiveness, sadness, love. Carlisle's relationship with the Chief of Police had always been professional, despite the connection he had with Bella. Carlisle had much respect for him professionally, and what he knew of him personally. In that moment Carlisle realized he was being allowed a glimpse of Charlie Swan, the man and father. "Have you ever had a little girl?"
"Alice is adopted." Carlisle answered evasively.
"I am aware of that. I asked have you ever had a little girl? Have you ever held your own flesh and blood child in your arms and known that you would do anything in the world to make her happy and keep her safe?"
"No." Carlisle crossed his hands in front of him on the desk.
"When my wife Renee left Forks with Bella, it was hard to know if I was making the right decision, letting Bella live with her mother. We both worried about how the change would affect her."
"That's understandable."
"So you can imagine that when Renee informed me of the nightmares Bella was having, I had a long talk with my cousin Billy."
If Carlisle's posture hadn't already been perfect, he would have sat up straighter.
"Billy's children," Charlie continued, "were too young to know those tales, in my opinion."
"Chief Swan, are you telling me that you are related to Billy Black?"
"I'm telling you that Ephraim Black was my great-uncle."
Carlisle leaned back into his chair. "I see."
Charlie nodded at Carlisle, and relaxed into his chair, placing his legs out in front of him. "I may be close with Billy, but my grandmother married outside the tribe, so did my father and obviously so did I. Tribal tales don't stay on my mind much; I'm more concerned with the here and now. I've always respected your work, and for the first two years didn't understand what had my cousin so upset about your arrival in Forks."
Charlie scratched his chin. "I like to think that Bella got her observation skills from me. Of course, when she asked me a couple questions, she didn't realize that I had enough knowledge to put two and two together on my own."
Carlisle was just dumbfounded. Anyone who had ever mistakenly thought of the Chief as slow certainly had no idea of the truth of the matter. "Why are you telling me now?"
"You want to take my daughter and move with her more than three thousand miles away. I think that warrants a conversation." Charlie's hand dropped away from his face and he readjusted in his seat. "Others of your kind are not as trustworthy. Two more have already come into her life. I can't say that I haven't had some concerns, or that I'm not worried about what continued exposure to you and yours may bring."
Never would Carlisle have expected to be having this conversation. Certainly, not like this, with the truth evident between them but only spoken of in allusion. Yet, it was turning out to be one of the most important conversations of his life. "I would never let anything happen to Bella, nor would anyone in my family," he answered Charlie.
Charlie nodded. "You're a good man, Dr. Cullen; I've always known that. And I believe that you will take care of Bella. I want you to know that I am trusting you."
And, by extension, anyone I might introduce to Bella, Carlisle thought. Charlie was letting Carlisle's own character represent his family, Bella's safety. Carlisle didn't think that he had ever been handed a greater compliment, and was humbled by it. "I can understand why my children Edward and Rosalie might have startled you. Thank you for the faith you've shown them."
"Yeah, well." Charlie looked around the room for a second, stretching his neck. He looked for all the world like the man Carlisle had always known, but now Carlisle knew that there was a lot more under the surface of Charlie Swan. "Thank you for being willing to purchase Bella a car. I'd like input on the choice, nothing high maintenance. Her earnings should go towards college. That we are going to pay for ourselves."
"I would never dream of imposing."
"I want her to be able to make friends at that college, Dr. Cullen. Will you make sure that she gets that opportunity?"
"Of course," Carlisle answered. "I don't want to hinder Bella in any way. And, please, call me Carlisle."
Charlie nodded and stood up. "I'd better be getting on."
Carlisle stood up as well, and extended his hand. "Thank you for coming to see me. It's been enlightening and I'm honored to have earned your trust."
Charlie took Carlisle's hand and didn't let go. "You know that my friend Harry Clearwater died? Do you know why?"
"I was sorry to hear of it. A heart attack, wasn't it?"
"Yes, from the shock of seeing his daughter phase. Leah became the sixth wolf to join the pack. There've been many more since her." His voice remained jovial. Charlie's other hand came to close on top of Carlisle's. "If anything should happen to Bella, even all the way in Vermont, do not think that I'm not able to send trouble your way."
Grinning, Charlie gave Carlisle's hand one more shake, and then turned and left the office. Carlisle watched in stunned silence. As the reality of the situation sunk in, Carlisle shook his head and laughed. He'd gotten his blessing from Bella's father, alright, complete with the shotgun warning to take care of his girl.
Carlisle sat back down behind his desk again. He couldn't believe that this was the second time he'd found himself in his office being confronted with the truth by someone who'd kept quiet for a long time. From his account, Charlie had known it even before Bella had, and had most certainly held the secret longer. What extraordinary people the Swans were. It was a good thing he and his family were leaving Forks soon. Hopefully no one in Vermont had any Native American legends to draw from.
A/N: Now I extend to all of you an apology. Out of respect for her vacation, I posted this without running it by my wonderful beta, AllTheOtherNamesAreUsed. This chapter is lacking the improvements her advice surely would have given it. Special thanks to Nachos4Children, who dropped everything to read the closing scene and let me know that what's going on wasn't very clear. Hopefully, now, it is.
Now that you've all seen the chapter, what do you think? :)
Next Chapter. . . off to college, new female friends, new male friends, and Carlisle will have even more reason to be getting jealous.